3. An espoused belief that homosexuals a) are sick, evil or unnatural, b) are “choosing” to be different than they should be, c) are motivated by lust rather than love in forming their relationships, d) are less worthy of recognition and protection of their relationships than are heterosexuals.

1. Understand that human sexuality is a continuum and that there are many people near the middle of the spectrum. Try to make people feel at ease by letting them know that you will accept and support them however they truly are.

2. Engage in social contact with actual homosexuals and ask them meaningful questions about their lives.

3. Refuse to be distracted from the central teachings of most religions (eg, the golden rule) by leaders who justify their anti-gay positions by citing obscure verses but who fail to show equal concern for abiding by the surrounding verses.